After a long session of gossip about good old Berkeley, and the chance to take a shower, Silvi and Ignacio arrived and kidnapped us for a trip to Ignacio's parents for lunch (3.30pm - still Latin). I was able to roll out some of the Spanish I've been working on so diligently at the gym ("please", "thank you", "where is the bathroom?"). I think everyone was quietly impressed. A barbecue was planned for later, but poor Raimundo has come down with tonsillitis! We wandered around the financial district instead, and will hopefully catch up tomorrow.
Santiago is an amazing city, surrounded by the Andes to the east and smaller ranges the rest of the way around. They're building what's going to be the tallest structure in South America, and the government is aiming to eradicate poverty by 2020. Pete drove us through the brand new road tunnel under much of the downtown, and we saw plenty of new home construction on the way out to Ignacio's parents. Chile is happening in every way.
Here's the city, and there are the mountains.
First breakfast.
Pepita will take a little time to warm up to my inestimable charms.
A typical Santiago, unposed picture. Everyone here goes around looking this good!
My first pisco sour, with Ignacio. Salud!
The family Larrain (missing several brothers and sisters).
Ignacito, almost smiling.
Hannah coaches a future Haas MBA.
Just like home!
Looking down through the financial district at the future tallest tower.
Chilean drivers - crazy.
Book at bedtime.
P.S. This happens to be my 800th post! Thank you, faithful readers.
P.S. This happens to be my 800th post! Thank you, faithful readers.
